What is Ecotherapy?
How Our Relationship with Nature Changes Us and the World
Do you take walks through the woods or strolls on the beach? Do you have plants in your room or grow tomatoes on your patio? Do you have a pet that you’re just crazy about? Or do you love looking at photos of animals in their natural habitat? If so, then you are taking care of yourself through ecotherapy.
Ecotherapy, also known as Nature Therapy or Green Therapy, is about healing ourselves through nature. That may sound like hippie-talk. However, science backs it up. In fact, Western medicine is finally coming around and acknowledging all of its benefits. Medical doctors in Canada are now writing prescriptions for people to head into nature, such as national parks, as part of the recovery process. It’s the real deal.
The Turn Away from Nature
So, what is it about connecting with nature that heals us? First, we need to look at history and see where it all started. For over 200,000+ years, humans have had daily contact with nature. 10,000 years ago, humans shifted over to living in cities. And 300 years ago, Western industrialization and technology started to blossom.
Cities, industrialization, and technology all deprive us of our regular contact with nature. When we started to live this way, that was also the time when our physical and mental health started to decline. Depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and other illnesses made their way into our lives. This is no coincidence. When we started to deprive ourselves of our critical source of wellbeing, things took a turn.
We came from this planet: we are nature. We’re not separate from it. Believing that we are –and that we’re superior to the rest of nature – has caused a lot of damage (in more than just our health, too). The truth is we need our interdependence with Mother Nature to live our best.
Making the Connection
If being disconnected from nature causes us harm, then the antidote is pretty simple. Reconnect with nature.
Since Indigenous cultures have been practicing nature healing from the beginning of time, we can learn from their wisdom. The three main guidelines to follow when it comes to reconnecting with nature are:
Know that humans are an integral part of the whole of nature.
The practice is community and land-based.
We need a spiritual connection to land, ancestors, and the community of all beings.
There are amazing workshops, retreats, and all sorts of resources out there to help guide you to your reconnection. They all have unique offerings that can make your transformation exceptional. I, myself, offer experiences that take people into the wild to help them heal. However, I am also a firm believer that you can start today, on your own, on this journey of reconnection.
There are many ways to reconnect, even if you don’t have a forest in your backyard or a lake nearby.
You could take advantage of a community garden. Gardening with others gives you a chance to grow your own food and spend time outdoors, and you’ll also have a sense of community. If you’re not ready for that, house or patio plants also give you a relationship with our fellow green friends.
Exploring outdoor spaces in your area is another option. Visit a close-by park or discover a trail you haven’t explored yet. So often, we overlook what’s in our “own backyard” when it comes to getting out. You’d be amazed how much open space is reserved for the public to enjoy. If you’re unsure where to go, you could join a group through social platforms like Facebook or Meetup to join other like-minded people who can guide you and share the experience with.
Animals are all around us, and their purpose is to keep things in balance. Just noticing and observing them has huge benefits. Ladybugs, squirrels, pigeons, a neighbor’s dog, or horses in the field. Notice their behavior without judgement and see them for who they are: living creatures who are part of the whole of Nature, just like us.
When we start to see animals as our equals, this opens the door to a harmonious relationship with them. Physical touch with an animal can calm and relax you. It does have to be a mutual acceptance, though. Like humans, not all animals like to be touched. Make sure they are okay with your engagement before forcing it on them.
Just by stepping outside, facing the sun, closing your eyes, feeling the warmth on your skin, the breeze in your hair, and breathing the fresh air is a connection. If you’re able, open your eyes and watch the clouds go by or the wind blow through the trees.
If you can’t get outside, you can bring nature to you. I did mention indoor plants. There are other Earth elements you can surround yourself with as well. Paintings or photographs of nature, playing nature sounds, having an aquarium or a small fountain, and aromatherapy
are all ways to bring the outdoors in. During days when the sun isn’t shining, and the weather is a little rough, watching the rain or snow through the window can help you connect.
Bringing it Together
When the Earth hurts, we hurt. Doing what you can to help take care of our home is one of the most significant connections you can have. Activism is one approach, such as signing a petition for a cause you believe in or writing your representative about your concerns and wanting change. One voice is quiet. However, when we all speak up, that message gets loud and clear.
I know that all of this may be new and a bit scary for some. I get it. Remember to be kind to yourself and only do what you feel comfortable doing, without criticism.
Start slowly, take baby steps, and enjoy the process. If you improve yourself by 1% each day, that will eventually compound into noticeable change. You got this. I know you do. From me to you, one big tree hug.